Avocado Mango Salad Recipe

Fresh & Zingy Avocado Mango Salad Recipe for Summer Bliss

Crisp summer days call for a refreshing avocado mango salad that dances with vibrant flavors and unexpected textures.

Ripe mangoes bring sunny sweetness to this tropical blend.

Creamy avocado chunks create a silky counterpoint to the bright fruit.

Zesty lime juice adds a tangy spark that awakens your palate.

Fresh herbs like cilantro weave an aromatic green thread through each bite.

Crunchy pepitas provide a satisfying nutty contrast to the soft ingredients.

You will love how quickly this salad comes together for a stunning side dish that feels like a mini vacation on your plate.

Why Avocado Mango Salad Tastes So Refreshing

  • Unbelievably Quick Prep: This vibrant salad comes together in minutes, perfect for busy individuals craving a fresh, nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Flavor Explosion: Combining sweet mangoes, creamy avocados, and zesty lime creates a harmonious taste experience that delights the palate with every bite.
  • Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse: Packed with healthy fats from avocados, vitamins from mangoes, and antioxidants from cilantro, this salad delivers a serious nutritional punch in a delicious package.
  • No-Fuss Versatility: Serve as a side dish, light lunch, or party appetizer that impresses guests with minimal cooking skills required and maximum flavor impact.

What Goes Into Avocado Mango Salad

Main Ingredients:
  • Avocado: A creamy, buttery fruit that provides a rich and smooth base for the salad.
  • Mango: A sweet and juicy tropical fruit that adds a vibrant and refreshing element to the dish.
  • Red Onion: A sharp and pungent ingredient that introduces a crisp texture and bold flavor contrast.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Cilantro, Fresh Cilantro Leaves: A bright and aromatic herb that enhances the overall freshness of the salad.
  • Lime Juice: A tangy citrus liquid that adds zesty brightness and helps balance the flavors.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate and round out the taste profile of the salad.
Dressing and Garnish:
  • Olive Oil: A smooth and rich oil that helps blend the dressing and adds a subtle depth of flavor.
  • Pumpkin Seeds, Toasted Pumpkin Seeds: A crunchy and nutty topping that provides textural interest and additional nutrition.

How To Make Avocado Mango Salad In Minutes

Step 1: Prep Avocados

Grab ripe avocados and carefully slice them in half. Remove the pit and peel off the skin. Chop the flesh into neat, bite-sized cubes about half an inch thick. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Slice Mango

Select a ripe, juicy mango. Cut around the large central pit and remove the skin. Dice the mango into similar-sized pieces that match the avocado cubes for a consistent look and feel.

Step 3: Chop Red Onion

Peel the red onion and slice it into super-thin, delicate half-rings. These will add a sharp, zesty kick to the salad without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Step 4: Prepare Cilantro

Rinse fresh cilantro leaves under cool water. Gently pat dry with paper towels. Roughly chop the leaves, discarding the tough stems. The herbs will bring a bright, fresh flavor to the salad.

Step 5: Whisk Dressing

In a small bowl, combine:
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth, tangy dressing.

Step 6: Combine Salad Ingredients

Gently mix the prepared avocado, mango, and red onion in the large bowl. Be careful not to mash the delicate fruit pieces.

Step 7: Add Dressing

Pour the lime dressing over the salad. Use a soft folding motion to coat all ingredients evenly without breaking the fruit.

Step 8: Sprinkle Topping

Scatter toasted pumpkin seeds across the top of the salad. These will add a delightful crunch and nutty undertone.

Step 9: Final Garnish

Sprinkle additional fresh cilantro leaves over the salad for an extra burst of herbal freshness.

Step 10: Serve Immediately

Present the salad at room temperature to maintain its vibrant colors, textures, and flavors. Enjoy right away for the best taste experience.

Tips For A Great Avocado Mango Salad

  • Choose Ripe Produce: Select perfectly ripe avocados and mangoes that yield slightly when gently pressed to ensure maximum flavor and creamy texture.
  • Slice with Precision: Cut ingredients into uniform, bite-sized pieces to create a balanced and visually appealing salad that's easy to eat.
  • Dress Delicately: Toss the salad gently to prevent bruising the soft fruits, maintaining their shape and preventing a mushy consistency.
  • Balance Flavors Smartly: Adjust the lime juice and salt to taste, creating a harmonious blend that enhances the natural sweetness of mango and creaminess of avocado.
  • Add Texture Boost: Toast pumpkin seeds briefly in a dry pan to intensify their nutty flavor and create a satisfying crunch that complements the soft fruits.

Creative Ideas For Avocado Mango Salad

  • Tropical Shrimp Boost: Add grilled shrimp for a protein-packed seafood version that complements the sweet and tangy fruit base.
  • Spicy Mexican Edition: Incorporate diced jalapeños and a dash of chili powder to create a zesty, heat-infused salad with bold southwestern flavors.
  • Mediterranean Remix: Replace cilantro with fresh mint, add crumbled feta cheese, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for a Mediterranean-inspired interpretation.
  • Quinoa Power Bowl: Transform the salad into a hearty grain bowl by mixing in cooked quinoa, providing extra texture and nutritional value while maintaining the original fruity essence.

Best Pairings For Avocado Mango Salad

  • Tropical Cocktail Companion: Craft a refreshing mojito with white rum, fresh mint, lime juice, and a touch of sugar to complement the salad's bright, citrusy notes.
  • Crisp Wine Pairing: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc with grassy, citrus undertones that beautifully highlight the salad's zesty lime dressing and fresh ingredients.
  • Protein-Packed Partner: Add grilled shrimp or seared chicken breast seasoned with light Caribbean spices to transform the salad into a complete, satisfying meal with complementary tropical flavors.
  • Textural Crunch Booster: Serve alongside crispy plantain chips or toasted coconut flakes to enhance the salad's existing seed and fruit texture profile.

Storing Avocado Mango Salad The Right Way

  • Store the avocado mango salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours to maintain freshness, preventing browning and preserving crisp textures.
  • Squeeze extra lime juice over the salad to slow down oxidation of avocados, keeping the fruit looking bright and preventing discoloration.
  • Keep the dressing in a separate sealed container in the refrigerator, adding it just before serving to prevent soggy ingredients and maintain the salad's optimal crispness.
  • Enjoy the salad within the same day of preparation to ensure maximum flavor, texture, and nutritional quality, as avocados and mangoes tend to deteriorate quickly once cut.

Common Questions About Avocado Mango Salad

  • Why use lime juice in this salad?

Lime juice adds bright acidity, prevents avocado browning, and enhances the overall flavor by balancing the sweetness of mango and richness of avocado.

  • How do I know if my avocado and mango are ripe?

Press gently – ripe avocados will yield slightly under your thumb, and ripe mangos will have a sweet aroma and soft (but not mushy) texture when touched.

  • Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Prepare ingredients separately and combine just before serving to maintain fresh texture and prevent avocado from turning brown. Dressing can be made up to a day ahead and refrigerated.

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Avocado Mango Salad Recipe

Avocado Mango Salad Recipe


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4.7 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Mouthwatering avocado mango salad combines tropical flavors with crisp textures for a refreshing summer dish. Fresh ingredients dance together, creating a light and zesty experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Produce:

  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 1 ripe mango
  • 0.5 red onion
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro

Dressing Ingredients:

  • 3 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Optional Garnish:

  • 2 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds

Instructions

  1. Peel and dice the ripe avocados into uniform cubes, ensuring they are not too soft or bruised.
  2. Carefully slice the ripe mango, removing the skin and cutting the flesh into similar-sized pieces as the avocado.
  3. Thinly slice the red onion into delicate, translucent half-rings to provide a sharp flavor contrast.
  4. Roughly chop the fresh cilantro leaves, discarding the tough stems for a vibrant, aromatic herb component.
  5. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to create a zesty, tangy dressing.
  6. Gently combine the avocado, mango, and red onion in a serving bowl, taking care not to mash the delicate ingredients.
  7. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and softly toss to ensure even coating without breaking the fruit pieces.
  8. Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds on top for an added crunch and nutty flavor profile.
  9. Garnish with additional cilantro leaves for a fresh, final touch.
  10. Serve immediately at room temperature to preserve the salad’s vibrant textures and flavors.

Notes

  • Choose perfectly ripe avocados and mangoes that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren’t mushy for the best texture and flavor.
  • Chill ingredients beforehand to keep the salad cool and prevent browning of avocados, which can happen quickly at room temperature.
  • Toast pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet for extra crunch and to release their nutty aroma, enhancing the overall taste profile of the salad.
  • Customize the salad by adding protein like grilled shrimp or chicken for a more substantial meal, or swap cilantro with mint for a different herbal note.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 14g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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